French President Emmanuel Macron is all set for French Presidential election and the voting in France will begin on April 10th.

Election season amid Ukraine war: Who is challenging French President Emmanuel Macron?

French Presidential election: Emmanuel Macron all set for re-election

The French government has rolled back most covid19 curbs, ending mass mandates in most public places and allowing the unvaccinated into bars, restaurants and cinemas.

France lifts Covid-19 restrictions on unvaccinated just before Presidential polls

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out plans to scrap all covid-19 restrictions as part of a "living with Covid" strategy. Johnson's Conservative government lifted most virus restrictions in January, scrapping vaccine passports for venues and ending mask mandates in most settings apart from hospitals in England.

UK to become first European nation to scrap all Covid-19 curbs

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the country will start rolling back Covid curbs in light of falling infection rates in the country. He said that the falling number of infections suggested that coronavirus wave due to Omicron variant has passed the peak. Scholz made the announcement after discussion with leaders of German states.

The three-step plan -- which includes allowing unvaccinated people back into shops and restaurants -- will see Germany reach its "freedom day" on March 20, as media have dubbed it.

"After two years we deserve for things to be better again and it looks like that's happening now," Scholz told reporters.

But he urged Germans to remain cautious and said they would have to keep wearing face masks. "The pandemic is not over," he said.

Germany is the latest European nation to attempt a return to more normality, two years after the pandemic first emerged and upended people's daily lives and routines.

As a first step, Germany will immediately drop a 10-person cap on private gatherings of people who are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.&nbsp;

For the unvaccinated however, the rule that they can only meet two people outside their household will remain in place for another month.

Access to non-essential shops will be open to all again, without checks on whether customers are vaccinated against the virus or not. Face masks will still be required, with high-protection FFP2 masks recommended.

From March 4, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to welcome the unvaccinated again, so long as they can provide a recent negative test -- a system known as 3G in Germany.

Nightclubs will reopen, but not for the unvaccinated. Everyone else will have to be boosted or provide a negative test -- the so-called 2G plus system.

The number of people allowed to attend large events including sports competitions, under 2G plus rules, will be increased.&nbsp;

In a final step, the remaining profound restrictions on social, cultural and economic life are to be gradually lifted by March 20.

That includes ditching the requirement for employees to work from home whenever possible.

After that date, Europe's top economy will rely on "basic protection measures", Scholz and regional leaders agreed, "in particular the wearing of medical masks" in indoor public venues and on public transport.

Social distancing is also set to be maintained.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the country will start rolling back Covid curbs in light of falling infection rates in the country. He said that the falling number of infections suggested that coronavirus wave due to Omicron variant has passed the peak.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the country will start rolling back Covid curbs in light of falling infection rates in the country. He said that the falling number of infections suggested that coronavirus wave due to Omicron variant has passed the peak. Scholz made the announcement after discussion with leaders of German states. The three-step plan -- which includes allowing unvaccinated people back into shops and restaurants -- will see Germany reach its "freedom day" on March 20, as media have dubbed it. "After two years we deserve for things to be better again and it looks like that's happening now," Scholz told reporters. But he urged Germans to remain cautious and said they would have to keep wearing face masks. "The pandemic is not over," he said. Germany is the latest European nation to attempt a return to more normality, two years after the pandemic first emerged and upended people's daily lives and routines. As a first step, Germany will immediately drop a 10-person cap on private gatherings of people who are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19. For the unvaccinated however, the rule that they can only meet two people outside their household will remain in place for another month. Access to non-essential shops will be open to all again, without checks on whether customers are vaccinated against the virus or not. Face masks will still be required, with high-protection FFP2 masks recommended. From March 4, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to welcome the unvaccinated again, so long as they can provide a recent negative test -- a system known as 3G in Germany. Nightclubs will reopen, but not for the unvaccinated. Everyone else will have to be boosted or provide a negative test -- the so-called 2G plus system. The number of people allowed to attend large events including sports competitions, under 2G plus rules, will be increased. In a final step, the remaining profound restrictions on social, cultural and economic life are to be gradually lifted by March 20. That includes ditching the requirement for employees to work from home whenever possible. After that date, Europe's top economy will rely on "basic protection measures", Scholz and regional leaders agreed, "in particular the wearing of medical masks" in indoor public venues and on public transport. Social distancing is also set to be maintained. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal&nbsp;states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs. Shoppers at non-essential stores may no longer have to show proof of negative Covid tests or proof of vaccination. &nbsp;

The draft also included plans to increase the number of people allowed at indoor private gatherings to 20 if all of them are vaccinated.

In a second phase of easing, night clubs could re-open and unvaccinated Germans would be allowed into restaurants from March 4, the draft showed.

A requirement to wear masks indoors and on public transportation is to remain in place.

Germany's expert panel said on Sunday that the government needed to put plans in place for easing curbs, given the current wave of infections was expected to flatten in the coming weeks, but it warned against loosening restrictions too soon.

"Thanks to the milder course of the disease, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, which allows prospects for gradual opening," Hendrik Wuest, the prime minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt newspaper.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner also called on federal and state governments to decide on a comprehensive easing at their meeting on Wednesday, adding that there must be a "noticeable difference in everyday life" afterwards.

Coronavirus case numbers have slightly dropped in Germany, as the government plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in Europe's biggest economy.

Germany reported 76,465 new daily coronavirus cases on Monday, down 20% from the same day last week. The 7-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also fell to 1,460 from 1,467 on Sunday.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs. Shoppers at non-essential stores may no longer have to show proof of negative Covid tests or proof of vaccination. The draft also included plans to increase the number of people allowed at indoor private gatherings to 20 if all of them are vaccinated. In a second phase of easing, night clubs could re-open and unvaccinated Germans would be allowed into restaurants from March 4, the draft showed. A requirement to wear masks indoors and on public transportation is to remain in place. Germany's expert panel said on Sunday that the government needed to put plans in place for easing curbs, given the current wave of infections was expected to flatten in the coming weeks, but it warned against loosening restrictions too soon. "Thanks to the milder course of the disease, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, which allows prospects for gradual opening," Hendrik Wuest, the prime minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt newspaper. Finance Minister Christian Lindner also called on federal and state governments to decide on a comprehensive easing at their meeting on Wednesday, adding that there must be a "noticeable difference in everyday life" afterwards. Coronavirus case numbers have slightly dropped in Germany, as the government plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in Europe's biggest economy. Germany reported 76,465 new daily coronavirus cases on Monday, down 20% from the same day last week. The 7-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also fell to 1,460 from 1,467 on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany plans comprehensive easing of Covid curbs 

Hong Kong has announced strict new coronavirus restrictions as authorities put fresh limits on private gatherings. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has announced ban on private gatherings of more than two families. The measures are being taken to combat record new infections.

Shortage of vegetables has added to the misery of citizens as truck drivers found positive for Covid were not allowed in the city from Chinese mainland.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-infections-in-hong-kong-reach-record-high-testing-capacity-to-ramp-up-451091">Covid infections in Hong Kong reach record high, testing capacity to ramp up</a>

The Asian financial hub reported a record 625 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, with cases likely to continue rising rapidly, authorities said. There were 2,600 infections over the past two weeks compared with just two in December.

Residents in the working-class Tsuen Wan district said they were frustrated by the spike in vegetable prices, and felt let down by the government.

"The price has gone up many times," said a resident with the family name Ngai, pointing to the cost of bean sprouts, which he said had increased approximately tenfold.

"Hong Kong people are having a hard time," he added.

Responding to the worrying trend, Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said public gatherings would be limited to two people from four currently, while churches and hair salons would close from Thursday (February 10), joining a slew of venues already closed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong has announced strict new coronavirus restrictions as authorities put fresh limits on private gatherings. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has announced ban on private gatherings of more than two families.

Hong Kong has announced strict new coronavirus restrictions as authorities put fresh limits on private gatherings. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has announced ban on private gatherings of more than two families. The measures are being taken to combat record new infections. Shortage of vegetables has added to the misery of citizens as truck drivers found positive for Covid were not allowed in the city from Chinese mainland. Also Read | Covid infections in Hong Kong reach record high, testing capacity to ramp up The Asian financial hub reported a record 625 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, with cases likely to continue rising rapidly, authorities said. There were 2,600 infections over the past two weeks compared with just two in December. Residents in the working-class Tsuen Wan district said they were frustrated by the spike in vegetable prices, and felt let down by the government. "The price has gone up many times," said a resident with the family name Ngai, pointing to the cost of bean sprouts, which he said had increased approximately tenfold. "Hong Kong people are having a hard time," he added. Responding to the worrying trend, Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said public gatherings would be limited to two people from four currently, while churches and hair salons would close from Thursday (February 10), joining a slew of venues already closed. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong restricts private gatherings to combat Covid

The British government is lifting all Covid-19 restrictions across England. Mask wearing would not be compulsory anymore, guidance to work from home will also end and Covid passes would not be required to access big events.

British government removes almost all Covid curbs across UK

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25.

"This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year."

The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-institute-eyes-single-vaccine-against-covid-19-including-omicron-439036">US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron</a>

Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said.

Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time.

Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday.

The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period.

Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant.

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25. "This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year." The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels. Also Read | US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said. Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time. Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Also Read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday. The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period. Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal announces post-Christmas Covid curbs in light of Omicron threat

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home.

Workplaces across Russia are due to close in the first week of November for paid "non-working days" to slow the relentless spread of COVID-19. Russia on Wednesday reported 1,123 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest one-day toll of the pandemic so far.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-for-kids-fda-panel-oks-pfizer-vaccine-for-children-aged-5-to-11-424323">COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11</a>

In Moscow, unvaccinated over-60s have been locked down for four months, and shops other than pharmacies and supermarkets will shut from Thursday until November&nbsp;7.

An unintended consequence of the tightening curbs - accompanied by appeals to wear masks, observe social distancing and get vaccinated - has been a sharp increase in foreign travel bookings to destinations where Russia's flagship Sputnik V is recognised or where COVID entry requirements are cheap and easy.

"Don't quarantine, but holiday on the beach!" travel company Orange Sun Tour proclaims on its website osttour.ru, which offers breaks in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba and other destinations.

Travel agent Polina Bondarenko said prices had shot up for trips to all available destinations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-health-ministry-greenlights-joint-covid-19-flu-vaccination-423267">Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination</a>

"People are leaving in connection with this lockdown," she told Reuters, saying about 70 per cent&nbsp;of travellers were vaccinated - well above the national level of just over one third.

Mkhissin Rami, a manager at Orange Sun Tour, said the rush had started right after the partial lockdowns were announced last week.

"No one wanted to stay in Moscow, because what can you do here, so demand went up by about five times, for sure," he said.

For Egypt, the most popular destination, the price of a week-long hotel break for two had surged to about 150,000 roubles ($2,130) compared with just over 100,000 normally, he told Reuters.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-in-russia-may-be-more-contagious-report-422780">New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report</a>

When asked to comment on the phenomenon of people escaping lockdown by flying abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that medical professionals had expressed concerns and that there could be epidemiological consequences.

But Peskov said there was no ban on such holidays, none was planned, and that stopping people from moving around freely was an unwelcome measure of last resort.

Holidaymakers interviewed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport saw no apparent irony in their decision to escape the country just when the government is urging people to curb their movements.

Also read |&nbsp;Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-records-more-than-33000-more-new-covid-cases-421481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If we didn't take the trip now, we'd be sitting at home," said Nina, a resident of the Vladimir region east of Moscow, whose previous attempt to holiday in Turkey was thwarted when flights were cancelled last April.

Muscovite Alexandra said she wasn't frightened of&nbsp;covid risks because hotels were keeping on top of the situation.

"It's not my first holiday this year, it's probably the fifth," she said. "They (hotels) are trying to follow and observe the rules. Plus I'm vaccinated - that won't save you but it will still help. Everything will be great."

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home.

Facing the toughest restrictions since the early months of the pandemic, many Russians have decided that now is an ideal time to fly off for a foreign beach holiday instead of hunkering down at home. Workplaces across Russia are due to close in the first week of November for paid "non-working days" to slow the relentless spread of COVID-19. Russia on Wednesday reported 1,123 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest one-day toll of the pandemic so far. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine for kids: FDA panel OKs Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 In Moscow, unvaccinated over-60s have been locked down for four months, and shops other than pharmacies and supermarkets will shut from Thursday until November 7. An unintended consequence of the tightening curbs - accompanied by appeals to wear masks, observe social distancing and get vaccinated - has been a sharp increase in foreign travel bookings to destinations where Russia's flagship Sputnik V is recognised or where COVID entry requirements are cheap and easy. "Don't quarantine, but holiday on the beach!" travel company Orange Sun Tour proclaims on its website osttour.ru, which offers breaks in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba and other destinations. Travel agent Polina Bondarenko said prices had shot up for trips to all available destinations. Also read | Russian health ministry greenlights joint COVID-19, flu vaccination "People are leaving in connection with this lockdown," she told Reuters, saying about 70 per cent of travellers were vaccinated - well above the national level of just over one third. Mkhissin Rami, a manager at Orange Sun Tour, said the rush had started right after the partial lockdowns were announced last week. "No one wanted to stay in Moscow, because what can you do here, so demand went up by about five times, for sure," he said. For Egypt, the most popular destination, the price of a week-long hotel break for two had surged to about 150,000 roubles ($2,130) compared with just over 100,000 normally, he told Reuters. Also Read | New virus variant in Russia may be more contagious: Report When asked to comment on the phenomenon of people escaping lockdown by flying abroad, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that medical professionals had expressed concerns and that there could be epidemiological consequences. But Peskov said there was no ban on such holidays, none was planned, and that stopping people from moving around freely was an unwelcome measure of last resort. Holidaymakers interviewed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport saw no apparent irony in their decision to escape the country just when the government is urging people to curb their movements. Also read | Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases "If we didn't take the trip now, we'd be sitting at home," said Nina, a resident of the Vladimir region east of Moscow, whose previous attempt to holiday in Turkey was thwarted when flights were cancelled last April. Muscovite Alexandra said she wasn't frightened of covid risks because hotels were keeping on top of the situation. "It's not my first holiday this year, it's probably the fifth," she said. "They (hotels) are trying to follow and observe the rules. Plus I'm vaccinated - that won't save you but it will still help. Everything will be great."

Russians opt for foreign beach breaks over COVID curbs

As some of the countries still fight to contain the spread of Delta variant, Denmark has decided to let go of all Covid curbs and return to pre-pandemic times.<o:p></o:p>

Denmark locals can now be seen enjoying outdoors without masks, people in offices are seen logging on without any worry of catching Covid and concerts are attracting thousands of people to come enjoy in pre-Covid style.<o:p></o:p>

Vaccine passports, which were introduced in March 2021, were weeded out from the first day of September, except for in clubs. However, from Friday, the order of vaccine passports being compulsory for entry in clubs has also been retracted.'

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-extends-covid-19-lockdown-till-september-21-412153">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-extends-covid-19-lockdown-till-september-21-412153/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are definitely at the forefront in Denmark as we have no restrictions, and we are now on the other side of the pandemic thanks to the vaccination rollout," Ulrik Orum-Petersen, a promoter at event organiser Live Nation, told news agency AFP.<o:p></o:p>

This covid curb-free nation is readying itself to host Europe’s first sold-out concert in Copenhagen which will welcome at least 50,000 people.<o:p></o:p>

Earlier, on September 04, Live Nation also hosted an open-air festival in Copenhagen which was attended by 15,000 people and was humorously named "Back to Live".<o:p></o:p>

Experts believe Denmark has been able to lift all Covid curbs due to the country’s successful vaccine rollout. Nearly 73 per cent of the 5.8 million people have been fully vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

As some of the countries still fight to contain the spread of Delta variant, Denmark has decided to let go of all Covid curbs and return to pre-pandemic times. Denmark locals can now be seen enjoying outdoors without masks, people in offices are seen logging on without any worry of catching Covid and concerts are attracting thousands of people to come enjoy in pre-Covid style.

As some of the countries still fight to contain the spread of Delta variant, Denmark has decided to let go of all Covid curbs and return to pre-pandemic times. Denmark locals can now be seen enjoying outdoors without masks, people in offices are seen logging on without any worry of catching Covid and concerts are attracting thousands of people to come enjoy in pre-Covid style. Vaccine passports, which were introduced in March 2021, were weeded out from the first day of September, except for in clubs. However, from Friday, the order of vaccine passports being compulsory for entry in clubs has also been retracted.' WATCH | "We are definitely at the forefront in Denmark as we have no restrictions, and we are now on the other side of the pandemic thanks to the vaccination rollout," Ulrik Orum-Petersen, a promoter at event organiser Live Nation, told news agency AFP. This covid curb-free nation is readying itself to host Europe’s first sold-out concert in Copenhagen which will welcome at least 50,000 people. Earlier, on September 04, Live Nation also hosted an open-air festival in Copenhagen which was attended by 15,000 people and was humorously named "Back to Live". Experts believe Denmark has been able to lift all Covid curbs due to the country’s successful vaccine rollout. Nearly 73 per cent of the 5.8 million people have been fully vaccinated.

'Back to live': Denmark lifts all Covid curbs a day before Europe's biggest post-pandemic concert

A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city.

The government has decided to extend the restrictions to make sure that the spread of the virus does not become that bad that hospitals face an uncontrollable situation in the upcoming weeks and months.

Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the capital city Tokyo will stay under regulations. While the minister admitted that the situation is getting better, he also added that it is "still too early to lower our guard".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japanese-pm-resigns-over-bungled-covid-response-410561">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japanese-pm-resigns-over-bungled-covid-response-410561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tokyo is one of the main regions, along with 18 other areas which are being put under strict Covid restrictions. Osaka and Tokyo have been shifted to "priority measures" which means targeted restrictions will be implemented in these two cities.

Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged the health experts and government officials to make sure that the government is ready with plans for October and the following months.

"We will be easing restrictions by using certificates of (COVID-19) vaccination and negative test results, and setting a path toward normalizing social and economic activities," he said.

This decision has come a little after Suga announced that he will soon be resigning from the post of Prime Minister and his priority will be controlling the spread of coronavirus and bringing Japan out of the Covid crisis.

<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city.

A little after concluding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan has announced that Covid curbs will now be extended until the end of September for the capital city. The government has decided to extend the restrictions to make sure that the spread of the virus does not become that bad that hospitals face an uncontrollable situation in the upcoming weeks and months. Japan’s Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the capital city Tokyo will stay under regulations. While the minister admitted that the situation is getting better, he also added that it is "still too early to lower our guard". WATCH | Tokyo is one of the main regions, along with 18 other areas which are being put under strict Covid restrictions. Osaka and Tokyo have been shifted to "priority measures" which means targeted restrictions will be implemented in these two cities. Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has urged the health experts and government officials to make sure that the government is ready with plans for October and the following months. "We will be easing restrictions by using certificates of (COVID-19) vaccination and negative test results, and setting a path toward normalizing social and economic activities," he said. This decision has come a little after Suga announced that he will soon be resigning from the post of Prime Minister and his priority will be controlling the spread of coronavirus and bringing Japan out of the Covid crisis.

Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end

Iranian authorities announced new measures on Saturday to control COVID-19 as deaths and infections continue to rise.

Islamic republic is trying to contain what the officials have dubbed a "fifth wave" of the virus, caused by the highly infectious Delta variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-every-two-minutes-one-person-dies-says-report-as-iran-sees-surge-in-cases-404488">COVID-19: 'Every two minutes, one person dies,' says report as Iran sees surge in cases</a>

As per Iran's national <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> task force's orders, all non-essential businesses, government offices, and banks will have to close their doors from Monday until the end of next Saturday.

Alireza Raisi, the spokesman for the Covid task force, said travelling by car between provinces would be prohibited starting at noon on Sunday (0730 GMT) and lasting until August 27.

Authorities said the restrictions would have no impact on outdoor ceremonies held during two Shiite religious commemorations next week.

Iranian officials have opted to impose smaller measures, such as temporary travel bans and business closures, instead of a full lockdown on their 83 million citizens.

Deadliest outbreak

The country which has suffered the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East, officially recorded over 97,000 deaths and more than 4.38 million infections, with daily records having been broken several times&nbsp;this month.

Health authorities have acknowledged official figures understate the country's true death toll.

Criticism&nbsp;that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">inoculation campaign</a> began too late&nbsp;has started pouring in as Iran's health system struggles to cope with the rising number of cases.

The health ministry reported Saturday that about 14.7 million in Iran have received a first dose of the vaccine, but only 3.8 million have received a second dose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-records-over-500-covid-19-deaths-hits-new-high-404024">Iran records over 500 COVID-19 deaths, hits new high</a>

In addition to Sinopharm, Iran administers Sputnik V from Russia, Bharat Biotech from India, and&nbsp;AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines.

Although two locally-made vaccines have been approved for emergency use, the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, is in short supply.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has suggested that 60 million additional vaccine doses would need to be imported due to the unfavourable coronavirus situation.

In a meeting of the COVID-19 task force on Saturday, Raisi noted that 30 million doses would be imported and available "in a short time".

Iran's officials have said that due to the US sanctions, the country struggles to import vaccines as transferring money overseas has been problematic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian authorities announced new measures on Saturday to control COVID-19 as deaths and infections continue to rise. Islamic republic is trying to contain what the officials have dubbed a "fifth wave" of the virus, caused by the highly infectious Delta variant.

Iranian authorities announced new measures on Saturday to control COVID-19 as deaths and infections continue to rise. Islamic republic is trying to contain what the officials have dubbed a "fifth wave" of the virus, caused by the highly infectious Delta variant. Also read | COVID-19: 'Every two minutes, one person dies,' says report as Iran sees surge in cases As per Iran's national coronavirus task force's orders, all non-essential businesses, government offices, and banks will have to close their doors from Monday until the end of next Saturday. Alireza Raisi, the spokesman for the Covid task force, said travelling by car between provinces would be prohibited starting at noon on Sunday (0730 GMT) and lasting until August 27. Authorities said the restrictions would have no impact on outdoor ceremonies held during two Shiite religious commemorations next week. Iranian officials have opted to impose smaller measures, such as temporary travel bans and business closures, instead of a full lockdown on their 83 million citizens. Deadliest outbreak The country which has suffered the deadliest outbreak in the Middle East, officially recorded over 97,000 deaths and more than 4.38 million infections, with daily records having been broken several times this month. Health authorities have acknowledged official figures understate the country's true death toll. Criticism that the inoculation campaign began too late has started pouring in as Iran's health system struggles to cope with the rising number of cases. The health ministry reported Saturday that about 14.7 million in Iran have received a first dose of the vaccine, but only 3.8 million have received a second dose. Also read | Iran records over 500 COVID-19 deaths, hits new high In addition to Sinopharm, Iran administers Sputnik V from Russia, Bharat Biotech from India, and AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines. Although two locally-made vaccines have been approved for emergency use, the only mass-produced one, COVIran Barekat, is in short supply. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has suggested that 60 million additional vaccine doses would need to be imported due to the unfavourable coronavirus situation. In a meeting of the COVID-19 task force on Saturday, Raisi noted that 30 million doses would be imported and available "in a short time". Iran's officials have said that due to the US sanctions, the country struggles to import vaccines as transferring money overseas has been problematic. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran tightens Covid restrictions as coronavirus cases and deaths surge

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